ble allusions,
perhaps delicately covered over with a thin gauze of fashionable
refinement; yet, on that very account, the more objectionable. If
this work contained one improper allusion to their ten, many of those
fastidious ladies who now eagerly devour the vulgarities of Dumas, and
the double-entendres of Bulwer, and even converse with gentlemen about
their contents, would discountenance or condemn it as improper. _Shame
on novel-reading women_; for they cannot have pure minds or unsullied
feelings, but Cupid and the beaux, and waking of dreams of love, are
fast consuming their health and virtue.

6. THEATER-GOING.--Theaters and theatrical dancing, also inflame
the passions, and are "the wide gate" of "the broad road" of moral
impurity. Fashionable music is another, especially the verses set to
it, being mostly love-sick ditties, or sentimental odes, breathing
this tender passion in its most melting and bewitching strains.
Improper prints often do immense injury in this respect, as do also
balls, parties, annuals, newspaper articles, exceptional works, etc.

7. THE CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE MATTER.--Stop for one moment and think
for yourself and you will be convinced that the sentiment herein
announced is for your good and the benefit of all mankind.

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* * * * *

PUBERTY, VIRILITY AND HYGIENIC LAWS.

1. WHAT IS PUBERTY?--The definition is explained in another portion
of this book, but it should be understood that it is not a prompt or
immediate change; it is a slow extending growth and may extend for
many years. The ripening of physical powers do not take place when the
first signs of puberty appear.

2. PROPER AGE.--The proper age for puberty should vary from twelve to
eighteen years. As a general rule, in the more vigorous and the more
addicted to athletic exercise or out-door life, this change is slower
in making its approach.

3. HYGIENIC ATTENTION.--Youths at this period should receive special
private attention. They should be taught the purpose of the sexual
organs and the proper hygienic laws that govern them, and they should
also be taught to rise in the morning and not to lie in bed after
waking up, because it is largely owing to this habit that the secret
vice is contracted. One of the common causes of premature excitement
in many boys is a tight foreskin. It may cause much evil and
ought always to be remedied. Ill-fitting garments